When I was asked by James Howarth of Tempus to compile this work containing short essays and statistical details of 100 Middlesex Cricketers, it was emphasised that it would be a personal choice. I therefore feel I owe readers an explanation as to why, for instance, so few of Middlesex's recent high-performing overseas players were included. The simple reason is that this is a book about Middlesex cricket and cricketers and I do not feel that such high performers as, for instance, Vincent van der Bijl were genuine Middlesex cricketers in the strictest sense of the term.

There are, however, exceptions. Wayne Daniel, for instance, I feel sure came to regard imself as a Middlesex cricketer above all else and I regarded him as an automatic choice. Then there is Desmond Haynes, who I felt played just long enough to justify inclusion, but it was a close thing.

With regard to my top twenty, I feel there will be little argument in nineteen of the cases.

As for Harry Sharp, this epitome of the old-fashioned London professional cricketer, and one my cricket heroes, I offer no apologies for including him, and to dedicating this book to him. Finally, my best team. Again, a personal choice, but I feel this team would take some beat, with each player at his peak:

Jack Robertson
Frank Tarrant
Pat Hendren
Mike Gatting
Denis Compton
Jack W Hearne
Walter Robins (captain)
Albert Trott
John Murray
Jack T. Hearne
Alan Moss
Some of those I have omitted!

ROBERT BROOKE